This is the writer's voice, new fiction from The New Yorker.

I'm Deborah Treesman, fiction editor at The New Yorker.

On this episode of The writer's voice, we'll hear Danielle Dutton,

read her story, my wonderful description of flowers,

which appeared in the December 5, 2022 issue of the magazine.

Dutton is the co-founder of Dorothea Publishing Project,

and the author of three books of fiction, including the novel Margaret the First.

A new book Prairie Dresses Art Other will be published in 2024.

Now here's Danielle Dutton.

My wonderful description of flowers.

Last night, my husband dreamed I left him,

though my husband never dreams,

or if he does, he dreams of nothing,

of sending an email, petting the cat.

I live not in dreams, but in contemplation of a reality

that is perhaps the future, Rilka, and not my husband said.

My husband brought up his dream over breakfast,

but I had an early day, errands, and million meetings.

I was almost out the door.

Later, on my way back home, I'm waiting for a westbound train,

shifting a bag of groceries, when someone texts me a clip,

so I tap my screen to watch.

...